Clúid Housing Association housed a further 18 families and individuals in Donegal in 2012. The charity said it is committed to tackling the housing waiting list and providing homes for those in dire need.

Clúid Housing Association housed a further 18 families and individuals in Donegal in 2012. The charity said it is committed to tackling the housing waiting list and providing homes for those in dire need.

Clúid’s Regional Director in Donegal, Mick Concannon said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer affordable homes for life to these individuals and families, some of whom have been living in substandard housing for a very long time and some who have been experiencing very difficult financial circumstances.”

Capital spending on social housing in Ireland was cut by a huge 72% between 2008 and 2012, from €1.38bn to €390m. At the same time local authority housing waiting lists have increased.

Mr. Concannon continued: “At a time of huge Government cutbacks and growing housing waiting lists, the need for good quality affordable housing has never been greater and Clúid is determined to continue to meet that need.”

The Government’s Housing Policy Statement, published in 2011, marked a major change in housing policy by placing housing associations at the heart of social housing delivery. Social housing in the future will be funded primarily by private finance rather than Government grants.

By using private finance Clúid is making a small amount of capital funding go a long way. The leading housing association is confident that private finance will deliver a growing number of high quality affordable homes for those in need in coming years.

Since its establishment in 1994, Clúid has made available a total of 3,664 houses and apartments, providing housing to low income families and single people, older people, people with a disability and Traveller families all over Ireland.

Clúid’s vision is a society where everyone has a great place to live and it does this by providing quality housing and services. Clúid is also heavily involved in community and estate development projects.

Mr. Concannon said: “While Clúid is committed to delivering housing, our tenants will always remain at the centre of our work, no matter what changes lie ahead. ‘A great place to live’ means more than just bricks and mortar.

“Our high-quality services enable individuals and families to create homes and thriving communities. Clúid has always been of the belief that our tenants are central to creating communities. We provide the housing, they create the home and community.”

Clúid will continue to work with the local council, private funders and other stakeholders to develop creative ways of providing the maximum number of homes for people in housing need.

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